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prying

Q: How does the adjective 'prying' contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and inquisitive are common synonyms of prying . While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," prying implies busy meddling and officiousness. // prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

Q: When is it sensible to use 'curious' instead of 'prying'?

While in some cases nearly identical to prying , curious , a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know. // children are curious about everything

Q: When is 'inquisitive' a more appropriate choice than 'prying'?

The words inquisitive and prying are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing. // dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

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Synonyms & Antonyms of prying

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 interested in what is not one's own business

as we moved into our new home, we could sense that there were prying eyes watching us

Synonyms for prying

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Antonyms for prying

2 thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

Synonyms for prying

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hands-off

uninvolved

Antonyms for prying

unobtrusive

prying

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of prying (Entry 2 of 4)

as in inquiry, questioning

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for prying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for prying

prying

verb (1)

present participle of pry

Synonyms & Antonyms of prying (Entry 3 of 4)

1 to raise, move, or pull apart with or as if with a lever

it took some effort to pry up the trap door

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shifting

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2 to draw out by force or with effort

a vain attempt to pry the cork out of a wine bottle

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prying

verb (2)

present participle of pry

Synonyms & Antonyms of prying (Entry 4 of 4)

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

don't go prying into other people's business

Synonyms for prying

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Frequently Asked Questions About prying

How does the adjective prying contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and inquisitive are common synonyms of prying. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

When is it sensible to use curious instead of prying?

While in some cases nearly identical to prying, curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When is inquisitive a more appropriate choice than prying?

The words inquisitive and prying are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

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